I feel dizzy and short of breath, what's going on?

Many women do not understand what symptoms they will experience during their first pregnancy. Some women who are expecting a second child experience different symptoms during their second pregnancy than during their first, which causes them to be confused about some of their own symptoms. Some pregnant women experience symptoms of dizziness and shortness of breath, and they go to the hospital for examination because they are afraid that their lack of breathing will affect the fetus. Let's find out why pregnant women feel dizzy and short of breath.

1. Why pregnant women are out of breath: normal phenomenon during pregnancy

In the middle and late stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother's belly continues to grow, and the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm and squeezes the lungs. The pregnant woman will find breathing more difficult and shortness of breath more obvious, especially if the fetus is in a high position or if the pregnant woman is carrying multiple babies.

This breathlessness is normal and will not affect the health of the pregnant woman or the baby. However, if your breathlessness is accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, a rapid pulse, or cold hands and feet, go to the hospital immediately for a check-up.

2. Why pregnant women can’t breathe: anemia

Shortness of breath in expectant mothers may also be caused by anemia. Because pregnant women themselves need more oxygen to maintain their own and the fetus's oxygen demand. If they are still anemic at this time, the body will have to increase its workload to supply oxygen to itself and the baby, so it is more likely to become short of breath.

3. Why pregnant women can’t breathe: Asthma

Asthma during pregnancy is also one of the causes of breathlessness.

what to do:

Pregnant women with asthma are very harmful to themselves and their fetuses, so such expectant mothers should be mentally prepared, closely observe changes in asthma from the early stages of pregnancy, and regularly measure the maximum expiratory flow rate with a peak velocity meter. In serious cases, appropriate medication and hospitalization should be chosen under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Why pregnant women can’t breathe: heart problems

If a pregnant woman is noticeably short of breath even when still or after mild activity, she may have a heart problem. It is best to go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram as soon as possible to confirm whether you have heart disease.

5. What to do if a pregnant woman is short of breath

1. Take a deep breath

Pregnant women can take deep breaths to relieve discomfort when they feel short of breath. It is recommended to choose a place with fresh air and do deep breathing exercises 2-3 times a day.

2. Caress your breasts

When a pregnant woman is short of breath, she should first calm herself down, then lie down to rest, and gently stroke her chest with her hands to relieve her breathing. Drinking a glass of warm water is also effective.

3. Adjust your body position

Pregnant women who experience chest tightness and shortness of breath should keep their upper body straight and their shoulders back, so that their lungs can expand as much as possible to breathe more oxygen. It is best to sleep on your left side at night, or use a pillow to elevate your head, which can also relieve asthma and chest tightness.

4. Proper exercise

Pregnant women should do proper exercise on a regular basis, such as walking, doing aerobic exercises such as prenatal yoga, which can improve lung capacity, increase respiratory function, and improve chest tightness and shortness of breath.